June 20, 2013, 10:30 p.m.
Bronwyn Denham
NEWCASTLE'S mathematical chances of making the Netball NSW State League division one finals may have ended but there was reason to hope after a 55-37 loss to third-placed Eastwood-Ryde.
The defeat on Wednesday night left them six points outside the top four with two rounds to go in Newcastle's return campaign after more than a decade's absence from the finals.
Injuries and unavailability damaged Newcastle's hopes and proved to be a major factor in round 12.
With only five Newcastle players available, Nat Hilder and Rhiannon Devlin were registered and drafted into the side for the game.
Hilder, the wife of Knights utility Matt Hilder, and Devlin play with BNC in the Newcastle competition but have experience at a higher level. Hilder had played state league and Devlin is a former Cook Islands under-21 player.
Captain Bronwyn Denham said the side were proud of their efforts under duress.
"We only had seven players, no bench, but still got within two goals of them in third quarter," Denham said.
"But towards the end of the third quarter then in the last, we just got tired and they had reserves.
"The score didn't reflect how close the game actually felt last night. We all came away pretty happy with the effort."
Nikki Robson came into Newcastle's side this month, meaning Denham, Natarlia Manning, Vanessa Andrews and Victoria Aoake were the only members of the original squad to play against Eastwood-Ryde.
Although disappointed to miss the finals, Denham said she was encouraged by the efforts this season and hoped to finish with wins over St George and Illawarra.
"This year we were really hurt by injuries and not having the full squad every game has hindered us.
"But we're a new team and it's a good start," Denham said.
"We will remain in state league one - that's a definite - so that's good."
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